Fat Media plots growth following acquisition

Digital marketing agency Fat Media has been acquired by Cumbria-based entrepreneur David Durnford.

As part of the deal Kendal-based digital agency, Motive Technology, also owned by David, is set to be rebranded as Fat Media in a move which will see the two successful companies joining forces to form one of the largest digital marketing agencies in the North of England.

The Lancaster agency, which has further offices in Barrow and London, currently employs 68 specialists across digital, marketing and technical disciplines. It will now expand to employ over 90 following the acquisition.

Fat Media works with a host of local brands including Warburtons, St Helen’s Rugby League, Blackpool Winter Gardens and Lakeland as well as national and international clients in the shape of Servisair, Glaxo SmithKline and Mitsubishi.

Kendal-based Motive Technology has worked with Macdonald Hotels, Jessops, The Stobart Group and Yotel/

Plans for the next 12 months include the creation of up to 30 new jobs based in the North West as the company takes steps to become one of the UK’s leading independent digital marketing agencies.

Mike Gibson, managing director at Fat Media, said: “We’re immensely proud of the phenomenal growth story of Fat Media over the past nine years. Our aim was to continue this growth long into the future and to do that we needed the external investment and experience to take us to the next level. After huge interest it was an easy decision to work with David. His track record is second to none and it is going to be a pleasure working with him to take Fat Media forward."

The acquisition was done through David Durnford’s company Netfonics Holdings, which was set up after he sold leading cable operator Smallworld to Virgin Media. He said: “I’m delighted to become involved with Fat Media. It’s a business I’ve known of for many years and have watched and admired it progress to become one of the leading digital agencies in the North West. I’m really looking forward to working with all the team here as we look to expand and become one of the top digital agencies in the country.”